Discovery Ensemble closes its doors

The Discovery Ensemble, one of Boston’s most adventurous chamber orchestras, has cancelled its 2014-15 season and announced that it will cease all operations immediately.

In an unattributed statement released Wednesday morning, the board of directors said they are closing Discovery Ensemble down “due to the increasing difficulties faced in expanding the donor base and identifying additional Board members in Boston’s saturated performing arts scene. Coming to this conclusion was extremely painful and the Board considered all conceivable options before reaching its final decision.”

The Discovery Ensemble was founded in 2008 by conductor Courtney Lewis and musicologist David St. George as an organization guided by innovative programming and, especially, a mission to serve students and young musicians, inspired by the El Sistema program in Venezuela.

“I think the Board made a difficult but responsible decision to cease operations of Discovery Ensemble,” said Lewis in a released statement. “The members and musicians of Discovery Ensemble know what a special orchestra this is, and I will treasure the memory of our concerts together as being among the most exhilarating experiences of my life.

“I am very proud of the work we have done over the last six years introducing many school children to the power of classical music. Thank you to our loyal audience and our many generous donors.”

All subscription sales for the 2014-2015 season will be fully refunded. Call David St. George at 781-646-2906.

One Response to “Discovery Ensemble closes its doors”

This is terrible for Boston. That we cannot support a world-class young ensemble and keep a world-class and rising young conductor in town for a few invariably dazzling concerts a year is a civic embarassment. Mo. Lewis is on his way, and the fabulous players will find good work. It’s us I worry about.